Silence! The Court Is In Session

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After a slew of not-so-mentionable theater acts that I was a witness to post this, the last one turned the tables

‘Silence! The Court Is In Session’ appeared to be a comedy at the outset. A little research (read googling) revealed that this is indeed a Marathi play - ‘Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe’ adapted in English and also that it is one with a serious subject

The expectations were still intact considering that it was penned down by none other than the legendary - Vijay Tendulkar.
On a not so hot Saturday afternoon, four enthusiasts set out for Alliance Francaise de Bangalore and made just in time to claim the tele-blocked tickets. The next two hours were entertaining to say the least with some power packed performances especially from the protagonist - Miss Benare. I do not remember the names of the actors but each of them played their part with elan. Hats off to them!

The set was minimalist yet apt. After all, the entire setting barring the first act was in a court. The lights were used to optimum effect during the scene when Miss Benare looks out of the window and then again during the soliloquy which I felt was the highlight of the play. The lighter moments were tickling too.

The ending was cliched as the play took the oh-so-common anti-feminist bend - ‘Women are not supposed to be independent’
Considering that it was written way back in 1972 when such notions proliferated our society (There is still not a complete eradication of these), I let it pass and left the venue beaming!

PS: Any attempt what-so-ever, from the pic above, of the entity therein being an actor is purely coincidental and not intentional

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Filed under Media, Theatre

Tags: Bangalore, Play, Vijay Tendulkar